From Bismarck to Friedman (web publication)

In the fifteenth IEA Discussion Paper, Kristian Niemietz examines the Chilean pension system. Chile provides the most frequently quoted example of a change from an established state PAYGO pension system to a private funded scheme based on personal savings. Most of the key results have been impressive and a lot of the often-heard criticisms of funded schemes have been disproved. A number of shortcomings remain. These shortcomings are seldom caused by features inherent to funded schemes, but rather by elements specific to the Chilean arrangement which could be altered given the political will.